Post and beam - tradition and perspective in design
Inspired design
Timber-frame is firstly an inspired design idea that has stood the test of time in diverse and impressive ways. When we admire the charming timber-frame houses in Germany's historic towns today, or take time to take a trip along the 'Deutsche Fachwerkstrasse' (German Half-Timbered House Road) , it is usually the richly decorated façades that hold us spellbound. However, the clever construction hidden behind the well crafted façades remains invisible to the lay person.
In technical terms, timber-frame construction is also known as skeletal design. This terminology has its origin in the human skeleton, which, just like a timber-frame house, is a self-supporting structure. All other structural elements, such as wall panels, ceilings, floors and roof are supported by this structure.
The Benefits of post and beam construction
The timber-frame approach to construction offers a range of advantages when compared to conventional designs:
Aesthetics: as well as its load-bearing function, the structure informs the look of the house - both inside and out.
Natural material: wood is a renewable resource that facilitates sustainable and environmentally-friendly construction. When growing, trees contribute to climate protection.
Diverse possibilities: modular construction allows an endless variety of floor plan options and other architectural solutions.
Both stable and flexible: the wooden skeleton of a timber-frame house offers the right balance between stability and flexibility. Settlement cracks and other structural damage, due to minor earth tremors, are avoided.
The new green[r]evolution generation of HUF Houses has launched a new era of timber-frame construction and a new level of energy efficiency in wood and glass architecture.
